Job action averted at Oakville Transit

OAKVILLE—Unifor Local 1256 has reached a tentative agreement with Oakville Transit, averting legal job action or a service disruption before the February 1 deadline.

“These were difficult negotiations but the issue of respect and fair recognition for quality work was something our Unifor made a priority to fight for,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “I want to congratulate the bargaining committee for their work to defend the core principle of decent work and fairness and for seeking to ensure the public was not disrupted."

The union representing 200 drivers and maintenance workers was poised to strike at 2 a.m. if a fair agreement could not be reached.

“Our members take pride in servicing the public in Oakville, so were committed to reaching a deal if it took all night,” said Tom Dattilo, Unifor National Representative for Local 1256.

Dattilo said the tentative agreement will cover a four-year term and addresses the core issues expressed by the membership. Members of Local 1256 will vote on the deal on February 4, after which more details will be released.

On January 21, the union voted 96% in favour of legal strike action if necessary.